A CEA test is usually a blood test. During a blood test, your healthcare provider takes a small blood sample from one of your veins. Specialists in a laboratory analyze the blood to check for CEA V体育ios版.
Less commonly, your provider may test fluid from your:
In these cases, your provider takes a small fluid sample using a needle or syringe. They insert the needle or syringe into your chest or lower back V体育平台登录.
Your healthcare provider will recommend CEA tests regularly so they can compare results over time. For example, you may need a CEA test every month during cancer treatment VSports注册入口. But once you’re in remission, your provider may order a test every three to six months.
Your healthcare provider will tell you how to prepare V体育官网入口. You may temporarily stop certain medicines or supplements that increase bleeding, like aspirin.
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During a CEA blood test, your healthcare provider:
If your healthcare provider needs to take samples of your body fluid, they:
A CEA blood test usually takes less than five minutes VSports. CEA tests of other body fluids usually take 30 minutes or less. You can return home the same day.
CEA tests are generally safe. Chest fluid tests have a small risk of:
Possible side effects may include:
If you have a blood test, you may have mild pain or bruising where your provider inserted the needle.
Most people don’t experience complications. Your healthcare provider will help you understand the risks of the test beforehand.
Your healthcare provider uses CEA test results to see if cancer treatment is working, if cancer is spreading or if it’s come back. They compare results over time to see patterns and changes.
If your CEA levels decrease throughout treatment, it usually means your treatment is working. If levels rise, it could mean cancer is progressing or not responding to treatment.
CEA is typically measured in nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL):
Different labs may give different results, so it’s always a good idea to talk to your provider about your unique results.
Noncancerous conditions that can increase CEA levels include:
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A CEA test measures your levels of CEA. CEA is a blood glycoprotein. Certain types of cancer can increase your CEA levels, but you can have high CEA without having cancer. Healthcare providers don’t use these tests to diagnose cancer. But if you already have a cancer diagnosis, your provider may use the test to guide or monitor your treatment.
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Last reviewed on 06/05/2025.
Learn more about the Health Library and our editorial process.